. >>> there's a battle in a small texas town over football and religion. a judge has to decide whether cheerleaders can use religious messages during games. >>> and with more how the controversy is playing out. >> reporter: good morning. the game was the first since a judge heard arguments about whether the cheerleaders must stop using biblical messages. around here religion and high school football are two things people are passionate about. friday night under the lights in texas with the band, the fans, the players and something different, a banner with a christian message written by the school's cheerleaders. >> we thought it would be a great message. >> reporter: that message is at the center of a legal battle. the school superintendent banned the religious themed banners last month when it was claimed they violated the separation of church and state. the judge allowed the practice to continue until he rules and last night there were more religious signs than ever before. and friends and family who say the cheerleaders messages on the banners are free